In many modern Tarot decks, the Strength Card follows the Chariot. However, in earlier decks, Justice was the eighth card in the numerical sequence of the Major Arcana. Justice was thought to represent the next level of development of the soul’s journey. The Justice Card represents the voice of the conscience, which helps one to find balance between ones beliefs and principles with those of their internal instincts. However, when the Rider Waite deck was published in 1910, the Strength Card was exchanged with the Justice Card. The Rider Waite deck preferred this card sequence, because of its astrological associations. Today, both sequences are considered valid, and it is really up to you to determine which order you prefer.
For our purposes, I prefer to use the Strength Card as the eighth card in the Tarot Sequence. The Strength Card represents the power of inner strength. Our inner strength develops through the balance between our primal drives and higher thinking. In traditional decks, the imagery of the Strength Tarot card is of a woman soothing a lion. The lion, represents our deepest desires. He dwells in the realm of our unconscious and his primitive roar forces our instincts to act in accordance to the demands of our unconscious.The woman is the seeker, gently appeasing the lion’s urges with gentleness and patience. She represents higher consciousness, thus informing us that our elevated thinking can prove to be more powerful than our internal instincts. Often, this requires a great deal of determination and self-discipline. It is not uncommon to find some element of conflict between the two.
It is not surprising that the Tarot card meanings of the Strength Card refer to courage with compassion. It takes a great deal of courage to look within the primitive self. The greatest act of bravery, however, is to choose not to loathe the darker parts of ourselves. This, in itself, is an act of compassion.
The Strength Card is associated with the number eight. Eight represents power, judgment, renewal and accomplishment. In a Tarot reading, the Strength Card also relates to matters of health. In its upright position, the Strength Card denotes healing and recovery. This can occur both physically and emotionally. It is the card of vitality and often refers to matters of sexuality. The negative aspect of the Strength Card is the suppression or avoidance of unconscious and instinctual needs. It also represents the individual who attempts to manage the world with force and lack of compassion.
Upright Strength Tarot Card Meanings In A Tarot Reading
In a Tarot reading, the upright position of the Strength Card indicates that a new opportunity will require some risk taking. This will be a time of courage. There could be a reconciliation with someone you know. Inner conflicts may cease due to your awareness of your darker impulses and more effective management of them. You may need to develop greater patience to solve your problems. Diplomacy and compassion may be the best solution. Self-discipline is your greatest ally. As you gain control over your inner desires and impulses, you now find that you can stand up to those that are pushing you around. In Love Tarot, a relationship may be passionate. You may become aware of you sexual potency and find that this may be a time where you are attracting others. In Health Tarot readings, this is a card of healing and recovery.
Reversed Strength Tarot Card Meanings In A Tarot Reading
In a reversed position, the Strength Card may indicate that you may have lost your nerve in the face of a new opportunity that requires some risk. You may be giving in to your inner impulses. You may want to hide within the confines of your comfort zone. Perhaps there have been personal issues that you have not yet confronted. This is the time to face your fears. Someone may be pushing you around and you feel powerless. Perhaps there is an undesirable behavior pattern that continues to occur in your life. In some cases, the reversed Strength card can indicate addiction or substance abuse issues.
When the Strength Card comes up reversed in your Tarot spread, this may indicate that your dependence on other people is inhibiting your emotional and spiritual growth. You may have to become more independent. Your timidity is causing you to miss out on new opportunities. You or someone you know may experience illness. Another important element to the Strength Card reversed is the concern that you may be using too much force in the world around you. Others may be wary and distrustful of you. In a Tarot reading, The Strength Card reversed warns of an overbearing personality. It may be time to refocus your attentions towards a softer and more gentle approach. It will be difficult to achieve your goals through force and control alone.
